Kansas vs. Marquette: Player Ratings to the Theme of Islands

Not a lot of high ratings as Kansas falls to Marquette.

Author:
Derek Noll
Publish date:
Nov 22, 2023 1:38 PM EST

In this story:

The Maui Classic is an institution in college basketball, giving the players an opportunity to go to the beautiful state of Hawaii. So, today, we’re rating the players to islands around the world. None of these islands are countries so this takes away obvious amazing places like Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Madagascar, etc. Instead, we focus on islands that are part of a country but widely known. After that disappointing loss, let’s see how the players rate comparatively to some of the world’s best and worst islands. Just like yesterday, here is how we rate the players but feel free to skip ahead using our table of contents.

5 Stars: Out of this world performance. This is a hard to achieve rating and is only reserved for the most impressive or impressionable performances.

4.5 Stars: Very strong performance, packed the stat sheet, provided undeniable intangibles.

4 Stars: A strong performance that falls just short of the standards above.

3.5 Stars: Above average performance, perhaps stands out in one category or one aspect of the game.

3 Stars: Average performance. Also could be a very strong game in one aspect but a very poor game in another such as 15 points but seven turnovers. Could also be that the player played, did their job, but didn't do much spectacularly.

2 Stars: Below average performance, or we simply have higher expectations for the player on this particular night.

1 Star: Rare, but if a player has a stinker in all aspects.

5 Stars: Hawaiian

These games are happening in Hawaii, and really, what’s not to like about the Hawaiian Islands?

Nothing to not like about the Hawaiian Islands, no one to give five stars to.

4.5 Stars: Sicily

This is a place I’ve always wanted to go, and for good reason. The food is amazing, the city of Palermo is vibrant, the beaches are pretty, and there are plenty of ancient historical sites to take in.

Kevin McCullar was the shining star for Kansas in this one, the only player that deserved a high rating. He went full on “rest of team” status in the first half when he scored 14 of the team’s 28. McCullar finished with 24 points and eight boards. He also had six turnovers, but then again, so did almost everyone else it seemed.

4 Stars: Croatian

Alert: Bias is kicking in. I’m in Croatia now and have been to several of the islands that line the coast of this great country. Brač, Hvar, and Čiovo are close to where I am now and are can’t miss locations for small seaside villages, great hiking, amazing views, and good food. The island of Korčula is my favorite so far and if you’re a wine lover, I highly recommend it.

No one else was even a four star in this one.

3.5 Stars: Zanzibar

Off the east coast of Tanzania, the island of Zanzibar is having a travel renaissance. The pristine sandy beaches and well preserved old town of Zanzibar are key reasons why.

Hunter Dickinson was the next best on Kansas after McCullar, scoring 13 and grabbing eight rebounds. He did have five turnovers in this one, some of which came when he was forcing things to happen.

Jamari McDowell has been impressive in a quiet way so far this season, probably because not that much was expected of him. He hit a three in this one, and I’ll say it again, if Nick Timberlake isn’t going to make an impact, I’d be happy with Jamari getting significant minutes as a freshman.

3 Stars: Santorini

A long time Greek bucket list location, Santorini has recently been overrun by instagrammers and influencers and people looking for a perfect picture. I bet it’s still stunning, but the crowds knock it down a star.

Dajuan Harris was two of eight from the floor and only dished out three assists. This was as uncomfortable as Harris has looked in a long time, the Marquette pressure having an effect on his game. We just expect so much more.

It is Likely that KJ Adams could have a few off games. We have no idea where his mind is, but it is completely understandable if it isn’t on basketball 100% of the time. As for the game, the Marquette swarming defense didn’t allow KJ to do what he normally does, throwing him off of his rhythm. And two, the spacing just didn’t seem to be there in this one, and space is a place where KJ Adams thrives. He finished with three points and two rebounds.

Johnny Furphy made some nice plays out there, but the game looked a little sped up for him. He finished with five points and four boards.

Parker Braun receives a three star for lack of playing time. He made his only shot attempt and grabbed a rebound in seven minutes.

2 Stars: South Padre

Beer bongs, thumping beats, and bro tanks. Listen, I’m an adult now, so none of this is appealing anymore.

Elmarko Jackson looked like a freshman out there, but these games will be good learning experiences for him and should help him as Kansas enters the gauntlet of Big XII play and the postseason.

Nick Timberlake. Listen, the guy finally canned a three, so I’ll let him off the hook for that, but he missed a dunk at the beginning of the game and the ensuing two free throws after being fouled, and given another opportunity by Coach Self, he missed an easy layup late in the second half that just might’ve given Kansas a puncher’s chance. I’ve been as hard on this guy as I have on any KU player since I started doing these ratings, but until he proves he can consistently bring something to the table other than misses, I’m ready for more Jamari or even Michael Jankovich.